Orthodontic Assistant Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep Guide

Orthodontic appliances are integral to the correction of dental and skeletal irregularities, and they can be categorized into three primary types: fixed appliances, removable appliances, and functional appliances.

Fixed appliances are bonded to the teeth and are not meant to be removed by the patient, making them effective for continuous treatment and correction of alignment and bite issues. Common examples include braces, which utilize brackets and archwires to gradually move teeth into the desired position.

Removable appliances, on the other hand, can be taken out by the patient and are often used for interceptive orthodontic treatment. They can be used to address minor alignment issues, create space, or assist with specific movement of teeth.

Functional appliances are designed to modify the growth of the jaw and reposition the teeth during development. These appliances work by influencing the musculature and dental arches, promoting proper alignment and occlusion.

The other options include various appliances that are aspects of orthodontics but do not fully encompass the broad classifications. Retainers, spacers, and aligners are indeed important tools in orthodontics but are subsets or specific forms of the broader categories rather than the primary types themselves. Additionally, items like crowns and veneers are not orthodontic appliances; rather, they are restorative dental procedures that do